BUYING NEW KIT

Tuesday 27/10/2009. For some time I have been thinking about buying a pair of "proper boots" for my long distance walking outings. For years past I have favoured lightweight boots, known as "trainers" in the trade and I have to admit that I regurlarly get pressure blisters on the soles of my feet after about fifty miles. A bit of antiseptic cream does the trick but it is still not the most comfortable way to walk and as my current boots which cost me about £100 from Nevisport two years ago have had it I have decided to splash out today so here I am at George Fisher's the premier outdoor retailer in Keswick. This lovely building was formerly the home of the Abraham Brothers famous photography pioneers who recorded the birth of rock-climbing in Lakeland at the middle to end of the nineteenth century. I think George Fisher established their business here about 1967 built it into probably the most respected retail brand in the industry before selling out for 2.5 million pounds a couple of years ago. It's now owned by one of the multiples but still seems to thrive despite the fierce competition in Keswick as the town transmorgifies itself into "the adventure capital of Britain", in the process almost every retail outlet has converted to selling outdoor kit. I got a pair of boots for the princely sum of £150.00, so they better do the business! Still in spending mode I also succombed to the lure of a half price offer (£89.00) for a new lightweight sleeping bag at Needlesports. I need a lock for my wallet.